Haystack Analytics, a health-tech start-up incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, in collaboration with healthcare solution provider LifeCell India, based in Tamil Nadu, have created India’s first genetic test diagnosing drug-resistant tuberculosis.
ΩTB or Omega TB, the whole genome sequencing test has a starting price of $80, and offers a drug susceptibility profile for 18 antibiotics, including bedaquiline, delamanid and clofazimine, in just 10-12 days.
The test can identify low-frequency resistance mutations and heterogeneous resistance with greater sensitivity. Whole genome sequencing identifies resistant phenotypes against anti-TB drugs, which helps in designing an optimum personalized treatment regimen for patients.
“We are confident that this will transform the care and treatment services for TB patients,” Mayur Abhaya, managing director and CEO, LifeCell India, said.
